TRAILER BRAKES

[ARCWINSTON]

Hello all,<br /> I want to install a brake kit on my trailer. My options are electric drums or hydraulic discs. My instincts tell me submerged drums and electric components = problems but I am sure this is a common installation and that any problems have been addressed. What is the collective wisdom on the pro's and con's of electric drums vs hydraulic discs? Thanks...W

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

First off you will have to install a surge hitch for the hyd. brakes, the water problem will only mess you up if the hubs don't drain and you get corrosion, electric is fine if sending unit from tow truck is set up right, the hyd sys is by far the best sys. as it works on the surge weight of the trailer, the electric will tend to lock up wheels when the trailer is empty the hyd tends not to. then again the hyd. is more expensive than the elec.

 

[ARCWINSTON]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

Thanks Bass Runner,<br /> I guess I assumed everyone would know I was talking about my boat trailer but I re-read my post and I realise it's a bit vague so here are a few more specifics<br />2003 Trailmaster trailer, single axle.<br />Hydraulic disc kit includes everything including coupler. I do not intend to tow the trailer empty. I do not intend to use in salt water.<br />The disc kit is Kodiak which I believe is a reliable system. <br /> While on the subject of couplers, I work on race cars and we use dry break connectors on the brake lines to eliminate the need to bleed the brakes if we have to do a fast motor change. Has anyone any experience of connecting directly to the tow vehicle brakes? This would eliminate the need for back-up lockouts and surge couplers. Thanks...W

 

[JasonB]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

I have electric drums and am perfectly happy with them. My towed load is about 3600-4000lbs. I have used them on both a single and tandem axle. The tandem has electrics on the front axle only. They stop very well, and with my Tekonsha Envoy controller, I can easily adjust the braking force from the cab. I pulled them apart after 2 years use to check them a couple weks ago and they are still in great shape, but I only boat in freshwater.

 

[DJ]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

I disagreee with Bass Runner. The performance of the two, while unloaded is opposite.<br /><br />If I towed with a vehicle with an electric brake actuator, there would be no choice, for me, except the electrics.<br /><br />Surge brakes do allow the trailer to be towed, by numerous vehicles, with no additional acuators needed. Remember, you have VERY LITTLE control over what the brakes are going to do on a surge system.<br /><br />DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT, by any means tap into the vehicles brake system!!! They are not designed for addional loads and the ABS systems will not operate properly, which may effect other vehicle systems. Besides, if you tap into the vehicle system and have an accident, you are IMEDIATELY and TOTALLY at fault. NO questions asked.<br /><br />Owners manuals are adiment about that warning. Look it up.

 

[JasonB]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

Agree with DJ, if using the electrics, do it right. My '99 F-150 came with the tow package which included a wiring harness for installing the brake controller. Installation was 4 wires and about 15 minutes. The actuator I have is just above the basic models and it was only $75 or so. Well woirth the extra cash over the $39.95 special models to me. Easy to set up and is completely adjustable for 1-2 axles.

 

[DJ]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

Another thing to consider is that electrics give you braking power in reverse while backing down a ramp. I wished I had that luxury, more than once.

 

[JasonB]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

Amen to that DJ.

 

[paboater]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

where can i buy these electric brake setups for my trailer? Championtrailers.com told me they don't sell them.

 

[DJ]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

Check this out.<br /><br /> http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/upkeep/electricbrakes.asp

 

[JasonB]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

I used RV type I purchased at a Tractor Supply Store. The backing plates are about $80/pr, drums about $90/pr, and the breakaway kit was ~$40. Wouldn't use these in salt water, but they have worked well in fresh.

 

[Solittle]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

If any of you plan to dunk your trailer in salt water the only set-up that works more than once is surge disk brakes. The others wil rust tight before you get home and be useless.

 

[Lark40]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

SoLittle,<br /><br />I'm not so sure that is true of the new Sharkskin galvanized/stainless electric brakes.<br /><br />Read DJ's link.

 

[gator79]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

I bought the galvanized brakes with stainless hardware from championtrailers.com

 

[Solittle]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

Lark40 - I don't have any experience with Sharkskin so can't comment but I have been dunkin trailers in salt water for 34 years & would not recommend drum brakes of any kind.

 

[achris]

Re: TRAILER BRAKES

Has anyone considered cable operated disc brakes? I have been running these for 18 months now, with very impressive results. I put bronze discs on so I don't have a rust problem. Even in the rain the boat and car stop in a perfect line. I once locked the front wheels on the car and the brakes on the boat pulled me up without a problem.<br /><br />Just my $0.02 worth.<br /><br />Chris..........